IPL 2025: Finch Critiques KKR's Cautious Approach in Loss to Gujarat Titans

Synopsis

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has voiced strong criticism regarding Kolkata Knight Riders' performance in their recent match against Gujarat Titans, highlighting their lack of urgency and tactical errors that led to a disappointing defeat.

Key Takeaways

Aaron Finch criticizes KKR's strategy in their loss.
Venkatesh Iyer's slow batting pace hindered the chase.
Finch believes KKR played too conservatively.
The team's mindset focused on not being embarrassed rather than winning.
Modern T20 cricket requires a more aggressive approach.

New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch criticized the Kolkata Knight Riders for their lack of urgency in their 39-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans, labeling it as a case of poor tactics and hesitant batting.

His sharpest remarks targeted Venkatesh Iyer, whose slow knock of 14 runs off 19 balls significantly hindered KKR's pursuit.

“You won’t hit boundaries if you’re not trying to. Venkatesh’s initial instinct was to merely tap it into the leg side and walk for a single. That’s not how you chase 200 runs,” Finch stated on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out.

Coming in at No. 4 while KKR was at 43 for 2 during the powerplay, rather than launching an attack, he got trapped by Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan, never appearing poised to break free. Finch believed this was a pivotal moment that drained the team’s momentum.

“They had nine batsmen. That indicates they should’ve been aggressive from the start. Instead, they played defensively, waiting for a miracle later. Once the required run rate was 13, it was all over,” he added.

At the halfway point, KKR was 68 for 2 but required over 13 runs per over. Finch commented that this strategy was illogical given their batting depth. “They weren’t playing to win. It felt like, ‘Let’s aim for 160 and avoid embarrassment.’ That’s a terrible mindset for a team chasing 199 runs,” he remarked.

Finch also criticized KKR’s cautious approach in light of their recent 16-run defeat to Punjab Kings, where they failed to chase down 112 runs. “It seemed that loss left a mark on them. They were so restrained that they didn’t even try to take control.”

The Australian concluded by stating that such a conservative mindset is not viable in contemporary T20 cricket. “If you aren’t ready to take risks and trust your depth, you won’t succeed in chasing 200 runs. This was a classic case of misjudging both the target and their own capabilities,” Finch concluded.